Angel Locsin sustains injury, can no longer play Darna

MANILA – With Kapamilya actress Angel Locsin still nursing an injury, the ABS-CBN network announced that another actress will be portraying Darna in Star Cinema’s movie remake of the iconic Filipino heroine set to be released next year.

Locsin acquired a disc buldge in her spine while undergoing intensive training to supposedly play the Pinay superhero’s role. Knowing that she will be unable to do stunts required from the role, the actress pulled out from the movie project despite preparing for it in the past two years.

Locsin has then decided to undergo therapy and considered going abroad for more treatments, warned that the spine injury could lead to paralysis if left untreated.

Yesterday, the actress officially announced that she could no longer portray the role and confirmed that a new actress was indeed chosen to be the next Darna.

“It was a painful and hard decision to make but we had to prioritize my health and welfare. Because of that, despite the two year preparations and rigorous training, I regret to inform everyone that I can no longer play Darna,” she said in an Instagram post.

“Rest assured that ABS-CBN has already chosen the perfect person to fill in Darna’s boots… I hope and pray that you will give the same amount of love and support to the new Darna. Again, thank you,” her post further read.

ABS-CBN, for its part, also released an official statement to media outfits through its head of Integrated Corporate Communications, Kane Errol Choa.

“It is with deep regret that we announce that ABS-CBN, Star Cinema and Angel Locsin have mutually agreed that Angel will no longer do the “Darna” movie due to health reasons… [Locsin has been limited] from doing strenuous activities such as stunts, liftings and the usage of harness, all of which will be required of her for the action scenes in the film,” the statement read.

“Aside from that, she will need to undergo rehabilitation and treatment…. And so while we have envisioned her to do the iconic Filipino heroine, [Locsin’s] health and safety are both our primary concern. Hence, the decision,” it continued.

The network, however, has yet to announce the chosen actress to replace Locsin in the movie. According to a Coconuts Manila report, a ‘barely legal Kapamilya star’ has been eyed for the role. The report also hinted that the actress was involved in the recent drunken flight accident.

It can be recalled that it was in 2013 when Star Cinema head Malou Santos revealed that Locsin would play the iconic Filipino heroine once again. The actress first portrayed the role in a GMA-7 series in 2005.